Slick Rock Labor Day fly-in/party

[John Fritsche]

Was just contacted by a Slick Rock local--they're having the Labor Day weekend fly-in party again this year at the Battle Mountain Ranch (owned by local PG pilot) near the LZ, and their attitude is essentially the more, the merrier. Free camping (big ranch & vineyard), nice big spring-fed swimming pond with zip line, AND swimming pool, too. They have a huge outdoor pizza oven and are planning to do pizza Friday night, barbecuing steaks Saturday night, I don't remember the plan for Sunday. Bring your own intoxicants. People definitely flying Friday, Sat., Sun., probably Mon., too. Well-supervised children that won't drown are welcome. No smoking on any flying-related properties, very high fire hazard right now. If you don't know Slick Rock, it's a f%&#ing awesome flying site about an hour south of Dunlap, due east of Porterville. Almost 4,000 AGL. Very close to giant sequoia groves, great hiking and mountain biking. Probably four hours max from Santa Barbara or SLO areas. Good for solid, current P2s and H2s late afternoons. Very consistent this time of year. Glass-offs common. Good XC. Can be hot (probably 90s) though, but hey, we've got a pond and pool. They want me to give them a head count no later than this weekend so that they know how much food to buy. Only cost is a donation towards food; this is not a fund-raiser. I'm 99% sure that I'm going and can play guide for anybody new to the place, hg or pg. Let me know if you're interested or have any questions. Don't know if I'll head over Friday or Saturday yet. I usually aim for a 3:30 launch time. 733-4706. Ciao.

[John Fritsche]

Many photos of the ranch from an old real estate ad: http://www.rexinet.com/7052.html
Very nice place to chill when not flying.

[JimmyZ]

Skippy? Tony? Wanna go camping with Kirra and Charlie? Pondering going here, but would want some play friends. Camp and fly?

[John Fritsche]

I'm now 100% sure that I'm going (unless some weird weather issue comes up) and 95% sure that I'm heading up there Friday morning. I can meet pilots who are new to the site in Springville at noon on Friday and/or Saturday to show them LZs and take them to the ranch to set-up camp. If you're not camping, you don't need to be in Springville until 1:30. Hangies usually launch anytime after 2:30, paras usually wait until about 4:00, and it's typically soarable until well past 6:00.

[pengoquin]

Is there a spot for an RV and maybe a place to plug in?

[John Fritsche]

I'm taking my small trailer-camper again. I was told that RVs are welcome, but he wasn't sure if those really huge, bus-sized motor homes can navigate easily around the ranch to all potential camping areas. I can double check on that if you want me to. As far as hooking up, I don't believe so. Maybe you could plug in an extension cord somewhere, but I doubt water, and certainly not sewer. If you have a generator, running that won't be a problem.
Here's the only Slick Rock flying video I know of: http://vimeo.com/16712529

[John Fritsche]

Party organizer called me again. They can wait until Tuesday for a head count before they go buy supplies. If you don't commit by then, you may have to worry about your own nutrition. Other info. he gave me: at the ranch, kids, dogs, dirt bikes, guns, RVs are welcome. Viva hell-raising, decadence, debauchery! The owner just wants kids supervised well-enough that they don't drown in the pond or pool, and dogs are to be kept away from the festivities during meal time; his wife is a little uptight about that. If you're bringing little kids, you may want to bring life preservers for when they're hanging out on the dock or in a kayak or raft. That's the latest...

[John Fritsche]

Even more info: You are welcome to also bring horses, if you're a part of that set. Fishing is allowed in their three ponds. We are welcome in their jacuzzi, and in their rec. room that has a pool table, TV, and ping pong. There are these 3 cabins there that I think were once occupied by cowboys, and people can shower in them at will until the hot water is gone. Friday night: make your own pizza with the stuff they've got and throw it in their pizza oven. Saturday: BBQ steaks, sides, dessert. Sunday: BBQ chicken, ribs, sides, dessert. The message I got made it sound like they're also providing sandwich fixings, chips, and soda for lunches. Breakfasts were called a "community effort." Two years ago, a whole bunch of camp stoves were fired up outside and everyone pitched in to make a traditional eggs-and-grease breakfast. I don't know where all the breakfast supplies came from. That's the latest...it's hard to believe, but these folks really are that friendly, welcoming, and generous.

[JimmyZ]

Man... That just sounds epic! Unfortunately our clan will not be making it this year, but hope that invitation is extended again. Sounds like an awesome setup. If our family obligations change, we may head up there anyway and bring our own grub.

Thanks for the invit though! Excited to hear of some good stories.

[Skippy]

Jimmy... We can't make it this year either, but if it's on again next year, this place sounds awesome... And lots to do with the kids too, which is a plus.
Skippy

[John Fritsche]

I reported the head count I had last night to the party planner. If you make a last-minute decision to come over, you are welcome to fly, and to recreate and camp and party at the ranch, but you will need to provide your own meals. You can camp-cook on the ranch or travel to restaurants in Springville or Porterville. I am meeting some pilots that are new to the site in Springville at noon on Friday. I'll show them LZs and then escort them to the ranch to set-up camp. I plan to head up to launch at about 2:00 so I can show new people other LZs on the way up there and leisurely get ready to launch by around 3:30. I'll repeat the process Saturday if anyone else new comes over. If anyone needs info., directions, etc. after Friday morning, my cell is 661-204-6875. Until then, call me at home: 805-733-4706. The radio frequency pilots over there use is 146.415. Supposed to be in the low 90s. Hope everyone has a great weekend, wherever you end up. Ciao.